Lunges and squats hurt my knees

I'm watched so many youtube videos and i am fairly confident that I'm doing them as described but they still hurt my knees. Is this something I'm going to have to work through or are there people who just can't do those type of exercises?

Replies

  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
    Post a video here or somewhere else for a form check. If you have good form, they should be strengthening your knees.
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    My guess would be form or a weakness/tightness. With lunges it could be something else (like weak hips) causing your form to shift and putting additional stress on the knee. With squats, make sure your form is correct and I'd probably stop going past parallel if you currently are. A video would be best if you want more detailed feedback.
  • DamePiglet
    DamePiglet Posts: 3,730 Member
    I'm watched so many youtube videos and i am fairly confident that I'm doing them as described but they still hurt my knees. Is this something I'm going to have to work through or are there people who just can't do those type of exercises?

    Stop doing them.

    Women have a greater "Q" angle in their legs and it puts greater stress on their knees in some situations.

    You do not want to develop chondromalacia patella!

    So do something else that doesn't hurt.

    Yeah, don't do something that hurts your knees.
    I suggest asking your doctor. In the mean time, if I were you, I'd do planks. (Im not you and i do 'em) They strengthen your core without the undo stress on your knees.
  • Awesomers
    Awesomers Posts: 144 Member
    I used to have bad knee pain so I couldn't do squats/lunges. If it's not permanent damage or something that can't be corrected, I would suggest only squatting/lunging as far as is comfortable on your knees. Over time, your knees should strengthen between exercise and weight loss. I can do single leg lunges and deep squats now without so much as a twinge in my knees.